Staycation Ideas for McAllen Texas and the Rio Grande Valley
including Brownsville, South Padre Island and other local areas

We have traveled all over the Texas/Mexico border from Brownsville to El Paso and even up to Paris, with all the little cities in between.

We have seen some pretty areas and plus we love to travel the off beat paths. The Rio Grande Valley is an amazing place for families and bustling with things to do.

A Staycation is like a vacation but you “stay” in your area.

If you don’t live in the Rio Grande Valley, come back tomorrow for a list of over 75 areas that list Staycation ideas.

We find so many jewels in our travels, especially in Texas. These are just some of the places we have visited (and want to visit) in the Rio Grande Valley.

Places to visit and things to do in the RGV

Nature lovers:

Bird Watching – The Rio Grande Valley is known for being the top birding place in the country.
The Rio Grande Valley area is home to many tropical bird species found nowhere else in the United States. It is a major bird migration corridor; the convergence of two major flyways (the Central and Mississippi.) Photo Source: World Birding Center

World Birding Center has nine locations. A great place to learn about the 500 species of birds in this area.

A free checklist for you and your family is a fun way to draw awareness. Just see how many you have in your backyard.

Butterflies – The Rio Grande Valley has over 200 species of different butterflies.National Butterfly Museum – A fun place to see and learn about butterflies.

This year they are having a Critter camp aimed at children for 7 to 12 that last 4 weeks.

Sea Turtles, Inc.– Great little place to visit and learn about turtles in South Padre Island. Most of the turtles are being rehabilitated.
They are also hosting a Summer Camp for kids. But, hurry – it fills up fast!

Plus, check out their Live CAMs that lets you watch the turtles all day long.

Pharrmers Market – located in Pharr and it is open every Thursday except major holidays.

RGV Cupcakes
(Winners of the Food Channel’s Cupcake Wars) This to me is worth a fun trip. Mention my blog and it will get you probably nothing but tell them I would love an iLoveMy5Kids cupcake. They have not a clue who I am. But, my daughter and I are huge fans of the Cupcake Wars and are so proud that these locals won a title.

First Baptist Church of Los Fresnos (300 E. Ocean Blvd) – June 16-20 each night from 5:30 – 8:30 PM

For Moms:

I do not want to leave out MOPs. McAllen and the area is a place that many people have job transfers. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) is a great way to meet other Moms and kids to make friends. When we moved to this area years ago, it was a true life saver.

I am pleased to announce a new blog just for this area called “Rio Grande Valley Moms Blog.” It was started by a sweet friend of mine that I met in Mops. She is constantly updating it with ideas for Moms in this area.

The Rio Grande Valley is full of exciting things to do. I cannot be responsible for the websites that have been listed here, at time of publishing all websites were very helpful in providing information for those visiting.

If you are still wondering about the Rio Grande Valley, this post my be worth the read:

May the LORD bless you and keep you; May the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; May He turn His face toward you and give you peace.
Feel free to leave a comment -
we LOVE to hear your thoughts!
~Blessings to you!~
~You are so loved!~
~Lana (Like Banana)~